Guide for the Perplexed Parents

Maimonides’ Guide for the Perplexed

There are many new programs available to help parents struggling to afford day-school tuition who may not qualify for the existing subsidies. We wrote this short guide to help you find these programs, which are available to “middle-income” parents.

Note about “middle income” families: The meaning depends on the context. Median annual family income in Toronto for couple-headed families was $80,680 in 2013. In the Toronto Jewish community, for day-school tuition purposes, middle income ranges from $150,000 to approximately $300,000-$350,000 annually, depending on the program.

Note about current subsidy programs: In the Toronto Jewish community, current day school tuition assistance programs, funded by UJA Federation and the schools, are available to families with incomes up to about $150,000. You can find out more about these subsidies and the application process directly from the school admission offices and websites. These programs are not listed here.

The programs listed here are relevant mostly for families whose incomes are too high to qualify for the subsidy programs.

Programs Sponsored by UJA’s Koschitzky Centre for Jewish Education

Tuition Cap Pilot Program

Other eligibility criteria: Families whose first child is entering senior kindergarten are eligible. The pilot project is geared to families with household incomes from $150,000 to $300,000.

Program: Caps tuition at between 12 and 16 percent of a family’s income, no matter how many children are enrolled. Once your family is part of the program, your tuition cap will apply for the entire time your children are in elementary school (SK-8).

Extended Payment Plans Pilot

Other eligibility criteria: Families who earn less than $350,000 per year.

Program: Provides low-interest loans, allowing middle-income families to extend payment of up to 25 percent of tuition for a maximum of 10 years. You can access the full tax benefits of the tuition receipt. You deal directly with Jewish Free Loan Toronto, instead of with the school. There is no invasive subsidy form. To apply, just submit your notice of assessment and a short application form. Note that this program is not designed to assist those who can easily afford full tuition fees.

TanenbaumCHAT

Program: Offers $5000 tuition discount for new families.

Eligibility: Parents must participate in Jewish Studies evening classes. They must also attend two study sessions annually with their child. The classes are taught by TanenbaumCHAT Jewish Studies faculty.